Pirlo Chelsea transfer no problem says Lippi

(GETTY IMAGES)

AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo has received Italy coach Marcello Lippi's blessing to move to Chelsea this summer.

The World Cup-winning midfielder has been strongly linked with a £20m move to Stamford Bridge, where he would join his former coach Carlo Ancelotti in London.

When asked if a move to Chelsea would jeopardise Pirlo's place in Italy's squad, Lippi said: "It wouldn't be a problem, regardless of where he plays.

"A flight from London to Rome is like a flight from Milan to Rome."

Pirlo, who is under contract at the San Siro until June 2011, made 26 league appearances to help AC Milan finish third in Serie A this season.

The 30-year-old is in South Africa training with the Italian national team in preparation for the Confederations Cup.